For Tomorrow Superman statue Sculpted by Kouei Matsumoto for Kotobukiya’s ARTFX line
My Last Day In My 20s..A Reflection
At first I was like, ahh man I’m so not looking forward to my 30s. But now that I think of it, things won’t be as bad. All it means is that I’ll have to press the acceleration button on my life. A button that was waiting to be pushed throughout my 20s, but I didn’t. I was too passive and laid back with a lot things in my life – to the point where I ignored them. It even got to the point where it jeopardized my art and relationships. No longer will I let that happen. From 30 onward will be a day where I assert myself. To push myself like I’ve never been pushed before.
Highlights and lowlights:
During my 20s, I feel that I’ve accomplished and experienced a lot of highs and lows when it came to my family, relationships and art – overall my life:
1. I reconnected with my family, and we’re stronger than ever. Not to say that we weren’t close or anything, but there was a time where things were falling apart. Times where I was aloof when it came to family matters. I would ignore or neglect the people that cared about me the most because I too focused on my art. In my 30s, I plan on being a better son, a better brother, a better family member altogether.
2. I ended up gaining two more older brothers in Mark Williams and J. Aaron Ong. Through my triumphs and my foolish mistakes, these extraordinary gentlemen stuck by me. Through thick and thin they’ve motivated me to push myself (artistically and in life). I love them for it, and I’ll promise to do right by y’all and never let you down (this goes out to all my friends).
In the same token I’ve met a lot of extraordinary people who have been served as truly inspirational. From the all the people I met during college to Studio DYV to DLM to Apple R120 to Spent Pencils, and the list can go on and on.
3. Co-Founded potentially one of the biggest brands on the planet in the form of Heroes Of The World. I’ll make sure to push this brand to the fullest!
4. Partially regained my confidence after it suffered a major blow throughout my adolescence/teen years. I finally gained my voice and I will continue to make that voice even louder. Being “The Quiet” one hasn’t helped me in past situations. Time to crank up the volume.
5. I finally sought help for my anxiety/private anger/depression issues. For majority of my early 20s, I was fighting a private war. I let my past failures and turmoil drive me near insanity. There were times where I thought I wouldn’t make it. Where I wanted to end it all. But I couldn’t. I had to keep going.
Talking to a professional about my issues helped a lot! For anyone who suffers from anxiety and is reading this, TALK TO SOMEBODY! DO NOT TAKE THE OTHER WAY OUT!
6. I finally got my physical health in check! Though I’ve been distracted, I should take my fitness to the next level!
7. I’ve dated and dated again. I’ve loved and lost and loved again (and lost again…hahaha). Recently I thought I found Miss Right. But in the end, we weren’t on the same wavelength. Deep down I took it too harshly and tweeted stuff that may have offended her. If she ever ends up reading this, I apologize for being so crass. I should have respected your decision rather than to sound off about it elsewhere.
As far as relationships are concerned, I have trouble dealing with heartbreak, because its something that was so familiar in my life. It’s normal for us to experience it, but its how we deal with it. Something that I shall improve on during my 30s.
8. I have now finally gained control of myself financially, after spending money frivolously during my early 20s. By starting up a savings account, I feel that I’ve taken a big step in the right direction.
9. I finally got a chance to travel! Did the NYC thing for the first time in ‘09! And for second time with Team HOTW! I hoping The Lord gives me to opportunity to see the world. Hopefully, I’ll finally get to go on that trip to Ghana (which is waaaay overdue).
10. Last, but not least of all, I feel like I’ve evolved as an artist. To be honest, there were times where I’ve treated my art as just a hobby. But by working numerous projects, and going through certain practices, I now realize that ART IS REAL. The Business is REAL and should not be taken lightly. With this realization, I focused in my life drawing, started up an intellectual property, finished my own website, and went into business as a freelance artist. In my 30s, I plan on taking those things to the next level.
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The past 10 of my life have been quite the roller coaster. But with all the ups and downs built strength and character. As I get into my 30s I intend on refining myself (physically, mentally, artistically, and emotionally).
Come tomorrow, my 20s will be long behind me. The BIG 3-0 is coming! The jump off! Time to hit the turbo boost Michael (hehe a little Knight Rider humor).
Yours Truly,
Joe Osei Bonsu
